OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,948 independent expert reviews and 12,633 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Garmin Vivomove Hr Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Screen size:?Battery life:5 daysDisplay type:OLED

Garmin Vivomove Hr Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 23 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Garmin Vivomove Hr
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

70%

5.6

Technical score

30%

8.0

Reviews score ( 9 · 14)

Reviews score 30% · 8.0 · based on 23 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 11 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–¼Worse than 60% of smartwatches
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 65%
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

24%

6.5

Health

21%

7.4

Fitness

16%

4.2

Battery

14%

5.2

Smart features

12%

3.0

Connectivity

9%

6.7

Display & Design

4%

3.8

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 69%
8.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Grades by review (23)
9 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 14 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 62%
  • garmin-vivomove-hr
garmin-vivomove-hr
Best prices
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Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Vivomove Hr

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components:

24%

6.5

Health

21%

7.4

Fitness

16%

4.2

Battery

14%

5.2

Smart features

12%

3.0

Connectivity

9%

6.7

Display & Design

4%

3.8

Hardware

5.6
Reviews score
8.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.3
Brand name
Garmin
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
no
This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope. 70% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 31.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
5 days
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 5 days which is shorter than that of 63.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.5% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
89 mAh
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 89 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 99.4% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.2% of smartwatches.
Charge time
120 min
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 120 min which is faster than 13.1% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 44.2% of smartwatches.
Normalized from hour-based sources to 120 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS which is more advanced than the operating system in 71.1% of smartwatches and the same as that in 7.7% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 57.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 36.2% of smartwatches.
Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
Third-party app support
no
This smartwatch does not support third-party apps. 47.7% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 67.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 56.2% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
no
This smartwatch does not include a compass. 52.7% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
?
Display type
OLED
This smartwatch uses a OLED display type which is less advanced than that of 50.3% of smartwatches and the same as that of 9.6% of smartwatches.
Resolution
64x 128
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 64x128 which is lower than that of 98.1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
192 ppi
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 192 ppi which is lower than that of 95.1% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 0 GB for internal storage which is smaller than that of 73.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 26.4% of smartwatches.
No local user storage for apps/media.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Vivomove Hr vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • Fall detection
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • Barometer sensor included
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • 57.2% more popular
    Garmin Vivomove Hr has a higher popularity than the average smartwatch (9.62 vs 6.1).
    9.62 vs 6.12
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Barometer sensor included
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Supports ANT+
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 11.7% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (5.2 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    5.2 vs 5.0
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs mineral glass
  • Hybrid watch design
    This smartwatch has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 8.9% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses silicone, leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, leather vs silicone
  • 2 mm narrower band
    This smartwatch has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    20.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel, fiber-reinforced polymer for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel, fiber-reinforced polymer vs polycarbonate
  • Fall detection
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 54.6% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No auto-pause
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 59.3% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 69.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No always-on display
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 54.6% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No auto-pause
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 59.3% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 69.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • 76 fewer exercise profiles
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (4 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    4 vs 80
  • No voice feedback
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 61.9% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • No low-power mode
    This smartwatch does not include a low power mode, the average smartwatch does. 92.5% of smartwatches include a low power mode.
  • 211 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (89 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    89 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • 2 days day/s shorter battery life
    This smartwatch offers 5 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    5 days vs 7 days
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No compass
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 52.6% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • No always-on display
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • Basic display type
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 64x128, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    64x128 vs 352x430
  • 134 ppi lower pixel density
    This smartwatch has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (192 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    192 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No voice assistant
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No passcode
    This smartwatch does not include passcode protection, the average smartwatch does. 67.8% of smartwatches include passcode protection.
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 4 year/s older release date
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2017 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2017
    2017 vs 2021
  • 4 GB less storage
    This smartwatch offers less internal storage than the average smartwatch (0 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    No local user storage for apps/media.
    0 GB vs 4 GB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

6.0
Tyler Talks
≈ estimated
18/04/2021
Hands-on review · daily wear, display and features
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove HR is fine for everyday wear, but its hands reset oddly and its taps are unreliable.
5.0
Gauging Gadgets
≈ estimated
26/04/2019
Hands-on review · 48 hours of use
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove HR has good looks and useful smart features, but weak activity and sleep tracking hold it back.
9.0
Reece Williams
≈ estimated
17/07/2018
Hands-on review · design, display and app features
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove HR looks great and passes as a normal watch, with fitness tracking as a bonus.
9.0
Reece Williams
≈ estimated
25/06/2018
Hands-on test · cycling ride and wrist comfort
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove HR is comfortable during sport and looks good, with clear cycling data once you start an activity yourself.
8.0
Cardio Critic
✓ explicit
14/02/2018
Hands-on review · heart rate, VO2 max and app features
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove HR is well made and light, and does what you expect from a mid-range fitness tracker.
9.0
Neil Widdowson
≈ estimated
15/11/2019
Hands-on review · battery life and strap comfort
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove HR has great battery life and an analog look with smart features, though the strap digs into the wrist.
7.0
New View Tech Review
≈ estimated
10/09/2018
Hands-on review · design, display and features
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove HR is only worth buying for fitness tracking; its low-resolution display and short battery hold it back.
7.0
Gadget Warehouse
≈ estimated
28/11/2017
Hands-on review · design, navigation, battery and app
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove HR is a simple fitness tracker with good features for the price, but navigation is awkward and the look is plain.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 12

Reviewers love the elegant design and heart-rate tracking, but the hard-to-read screen and lack of GPS are common complaints.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
21/11/2018
Hands-on review · Subtle activity tracker
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove HR is a stylish hybrid best suited to all-day step and heart-rate tracking, but without GPS it is a poor pick for serious running.
9.0
expertreviews.co.uk
≈ estimated
15/07/2019
Hands-on review · Hybrid fitness tracker
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove HR is a lightweight hybrid that looks good and tracks plenty of fitness data, but logging workouts is fiddly and battery life is mediocre.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
04/05/2018
Hands-on review · Smart hybrid
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove HR suits people who want a classic-looking watch with notifications and fitness tracking, though it has no GPS and a fiddly touchscreen.
9.0
intelligentwatchreview.com
≈ estimated
25/09/2022
Hands-on review · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove HR looks like a plain watch, is comfortable enough to wear overnight for sleep tracking, but has no GPS.
wareable.com
09/11/2017
Not graded yet
tomsguide.com
06/11/2017
Not graded yet
cnet.com
22/11/2017
Not graded yet
stuff.tv
18/12/2017
Not graded yet
uk.pcmag.com
26/02/2018
Not graded yet
8.0
chip.de
≈ estimated
21/06/2018
Product test · Premium fitness tracker
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove HR Premium is an elegant watch with a hidden screen and a good range of features, but without GPS it is limited for outdoor sports.
9.0
computerbase.de
≈ estimated
12/07/2018
Product test · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove HR beats the Withings Steel HR on display and features, but its battery trails and the screen is hard to read in sunlight.
6.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
19/05/2018
15-day test · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove HR is a discreet everyday watch with a clear app and good battery life, suited to people who want light activity tracking rather than serious training.
montre-cardio-gps.fr
26/03/2018
Not graded yet
test-achats.be
01/10/2017
Not graded yet
correrunamaraton.com
01/02/2018
Not graded yet
8.0
andreagaleazzi.com
≈ estimated
01/04/2018
Personal review · Hybrid fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove HR is a comfortable, discreet hybrid for everyday users who want step and activity tracking, though its screen is hard to see in strong sun.
escoacorrere.com
03/12/2017
Not graded yet
9.0
hardloopzone.nl
≈ estimated
14/06/2018
Review · Hybrid fitness tracker
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove HR looks like a classic watch with a reliable heart-rate sensor, but it lacks GPS, so it is not a serious running watch.
tweakers.net
28/02/2018
Not graded yet
test-aankoop.be
15/12/2017
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

What we like about Garmin Vivomove Hr

  • Stylish, minimalist analog design that looks like a high-quality traditional watch
  • Hidden OLED display remains completely invisible when not in use
  • Continuous 24/7 heart rate monitoring and stress tracking
  • Hands automatically move out of the way to ensure an unobstructed view of the digital screen
  • Lightweight and comfortable for 24/7 wear, including during sleep
  • Syncs seamlessly with the feature-rich Garmin Connect app

What we don't like about Garmin Vivomove Hr

  • OLED screen is very difficult to read in bright sunlight due to glare
  • Lack of built-in GPS makes it less ideal for serious runners and outdoor athletes
  • Tiny touchscreen can be fiddly and difficult to navigate without physical buttons
  • Notifications are limited to brief summaries; long messages are hard to read on the small screen
  • Battery life in 'smart' mode (approx. 5 days) is shorter than some hybrid competitors
  • Occasional reports of the analog hands becoming misaligned, requiring manual recalibration

Verdict

The Garmin Vivomove HR is a hybrid smartwatch that combines a classic analogue watch face with a hidden 64 x 128 pixel OLED touchscreen, featuring a 43mm stainless steel bezel and a 5 ATM water rating. It tracks essential health metrics including 24/7 heart rate via Elevate technology, stress levels, VO2 max, sleep, and steps, with a battery life of up to 5 days in smart mode and 2 weeks in watch-only mode. Its main advantages are its elegant, non-intrusive design that resembles a traditional timepiece and its seamless integration of smart notifications and music controls. However, notable drawbacks include the lack of built-in GPS, poor display visibility in direct sunlight, and a proprietary charging clip that some users find cumbersome.

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Graphic comparison of Garmin Vivomove Hr and other Smartwatches

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